God desires for us to be both TOUGH and TENDER! Tough in that we stand for the truth as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, but tender in our approach to people. We are to be filled with the fruit of gentleness. Gentleness or meekness is toughness under control. It is dealing with others in a polite, courteous, and kind manner. And while gentleness or meekness is never officially attributed to God the Father, yet by His actions He deals with us in gentle ways. His Son, Jesus Christ, in his incarnation modeled gentleness or meekness for us. As the good shepherd, he 'gently leads those who are with young." He describes Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" and offers rest for His followers. We, in turn, are called upon to be gentle and meek just like Jesus. We are to approach God's word with a gentle,meek spirit, seeking to do what is right and leave the results up to God. This is how Paul ministered. He preached God's message to people but allowed the Spirit of God to work in them. Thus, he could be gentle in his approach. The fruit of gentleness is especially needed in two specific ministries: When exercising discipline in the body of Christ, and when sharing the gospel or teaching truth to unbelievers or skeptics-- in both we are to exhibit the fruit of gentleness. Tough in that we are to be men and women of conviction, but tender, gentle in our dealings with others, trusting God to work in them to bring about God-honoring change.
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